A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test checks for genetic material (viral RNA) produced by the virus. This determines if an individual is actively infected with COVID-19 and can spread it to others.

A PCR test will confirm whether or not you are currently infected with COVID-19. If your results are positive, it is important to isolate immediately and continue to monitor your symptoms. If your results are negative, it means the virus was not present in the sample you provided.

After receiving your results, you will have an opportunity to speak with a licensed healthcare provider who can answer any questions you may have about your test results and help determine next steps in care.

A PCR test may not detect the virus in early stages of infection. In addition, a PCR test may not detect the virus if there was a problem with your sample, such as when the sample is not collected as directed. There is also the possibility of a false negative (a negative result that is incorrect) if you’ve had recent exposure to the virus along with symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

A PCR test is conducted either by nasal swab or saliva collection. The nasal swab test requires insertion of a swab into your nose and the back of your throat. The saliva test requires providing a sample of your spit into a collection tube.

You do not need to do anything to prepare for the test. You do not need to fast or stop taking any medications before testing. Further instructions will be provided to you at the lab or in your test kit.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

PWNHealth: COVID - 19 FAQ

The antibody tests and the molecular tests (together referred to as “tests”) have not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

From CDC:
"If you have a positive test result, it is very likely that you have COVID-19. Therefore, it is also likely that you may be placed in isolation to avoid spreading the virus to others. You should follow CDC guidance to reduce the potential transmission of disease.

There is a smaller possibility that this test can give a positive result that is wrong (a false positive result) particularly when used in a population without many cases of COVID-19 infection. Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine how best to care for you based on the test results along with medical history, and your symptoms"
(CDC Factsheet for COVID-19)

From CDC:
"A negative test result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in your sample.

However, it is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (false negative) in some people with COVID-19. You might test negative if the sample was collected early during your infection. You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after your sample was collected and then have become infected. This means that you could possibly still have COVID-19 even though the test result is negative. If your test is negative, your healthcare provider will consider the test result together with all other aspects of your medical history (such as symptoms, possible exposures, and geographical location of places you have recently traveled) in deciding how to care for you.

Laboratories may use pooling when testing your specimen, which means they combine your sample with other individuals samples prior to testing. If your test result indicates your specimen was pooled and you have a negative test result there a small chance that your result is incorrect. You should talk with your healthcare provider if you are concerned.

It is important that you work with your healthcare provider to help you understand the next steps you should take."
(CDC Factsheet for COVID-19)

You should get tested if:

• You have symptoms of COVID-19 (such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath)


• You don’t have symptoms but may have been exposed to COVID-19


• You don’t have symptoms and haven’t been recently exposed but live or work in a place where people reside, meet, or gather in close proximity (this can include healthcare settings, homeless shelters, assisted living facilities, group homes, prisons, detention centers, schools, and workplaces).


• Your employer, public health department, contact investigator, or healthcare provider has identified you as someone who should get tested.

If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19 or that you have been exposed to the virus, you should consult your place of work for specific guidance about whether to stay home or continue working.

Visit the CDC website for more information about testing.

You should not get tested if you:

• Currently have severe symptoms that limit your daily activities. Seek medical attention right away if this is the case.


• Tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 3 months. Speak with your healthcare provider prior to getting tested.

Testing is available for children 4 years of age and older.

If your child has new or worsening emergency warning signs, such as severe trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, feeling confused or having difficulty waking up, or blue-colored lips or face, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention instead of ordering this test.

Your child should get tested if:

• They have symptoms of COVID-19
• They live in or visit a place where people reside, meet, or gather in close proximity. This can include homeless shelters, group homes, detention centers, playgroups, schools, chuch, camp, daycare, etc.
• They have been in close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 within the past 14 days

This test may also be helpful if:

• Your child may have been exposed and has an underlying condition that may increase the risk for severe disease

If you have any other questions, we recommend that you speak with your child’s primary healthcare provider about testing recommendations to see if testing is right for your child at this time.

• It is important to set realistic expectations. Do not pretend the testing experience will be painless. Reassure your child that the testing process will be quick, the pain won’t last, and that you’ll be with them the entire time. After the test, praise and comfort your child as needed.


• Make sure your child is tested when they are less likely to be tired or hungry. Your child does not need to fast or stop taking any medications before testing. Eating and drinking plenty of water before the test will help lower the risk of lightheadedness and can help make the process smoother.


• Talk about feelings or practice calming techniques before the test. You can do this by making a game of staying still or practicing breathing exercises with your child. It may also be helpful to distract your child during the procedure.


• Before testing, discuss any concerns and questions with your child’s primary healthcare provider. Further instructions will be provided to you at the lab or in your test kit.